Ghana’s Ambassador to the United States, Victor Emmanuel Smith, has advanced a new chapter in U.S.–Ghana agribusiness cooperation following a working visit to Haynie Farms and Haynie Family Foods in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, in the United States.
The visit, which took place on November 4, forms part of Ghana’s renewed push to attract strategic agricultural investments under President John Dramani Mahama’s economic reset agenda.
The government has identified agribusiness, food security, and youth skills development as priority pillars in its plan to revitalise the economy.
During the tour, CEO and fifth-generation farmer PJ Haynie announced that the Arkansas facility will host five young Ghanaian agricultural graduates for a nine-month, hands-on training programme in modern rice cultivation and processing.
The initiative is expected to contribute to Ghana’s efforts to modernise its rice value chain and reduce reliance on imports.
Ambassador Smith welcomed the partnership, describing it as a “practical and timely boost” to Ghana’s quest for food self-sufficiency. He emphasised that sustained collaboration with established agribusiness players in the United States will help Ghana scale productivity, create jobs for the youth, and attract additional foreign direct investment into the sector.
Haynie Farms, known for its advocacy for minority farmers and innovation in rice production, is expected to work closely with Ghanaian institutions to expand future training and investment opportunities.
The Ambassador’s visit marks one of the first major U.S.-based agricultural engagements since the government announced its reset vision, signalling a stronger focus on international partnerships that directly build local capacity.
